Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield has provided new details about the upcoming horror film Pinocchio Unstrung, while teasing that the franchise's crossover event, Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble, will serve as a gory, over-the-top take on The Avengers.
Practical Effects for a Terrifying Pinocchio
Speaking to Variety, Frake-Waterfield explained that Pinocchio Unstrung features a fully practical animatronic for the title character, covered with realistic flesh-like effects. This marks a departure from previous horror adaptations that relied heavily on CGI. "I wanted him to feel tangible and real," the director said, adding that the animatronic created a far more disturbing screen presence than digital effects could achieve.
The slasher stars Richard Brake as Geppetto and horror icon Robert Englund as the voice of a sinister Cricket. The story follows the magical puppet as he embarks on a violent quest to become a real boy, reimagining Pinocchio as a tragic antihero whose innocence is twisted by the darkness of the world around him.
Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble as an R-Rated Avengers
Frake-Waterfield described Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble as “kooky, crazy and fun,” promising that the ambitious crossover will unite twisted versions of Winnie-the-Pooh, Bambi, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, and other public domain characters introduced throughout the shared horror universe. He likened the crossover to an R-rated horror version of Marvel's superhero team-ups, with each film introducing key characters before bringing them together. Audiences can expect plenty of over-the-top action alongside the franchise's trademark gore.
According to Frake-Waterfield, Pinocchio Unstrung plays a significant role in setting up Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble, which is expected to begin production later this year.
Premiere and Release Details
Pinocchio Unstrung recently premiered at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, where early reactions praised its practical creature effects and unapologetically gory approach. According to reports, one audience member even fainted during a screening because of the film's graphic violence. The film is scheduled to open in North American cinemas on July 24, 2026, continuing the expansion of the Twisted Childhood Universe, which began with Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey and has since grown into an interconnected horror franchise.
